summer

It has been a tradition at Par Aide to hold a summer event for all employees. We originally played golf each year, but as the company grew it became harder and harder to supply clubs and balls. So, we started looking for alternative options.

Over the years, we have tailgated prior to a minor league baseball game, taken a river cruise around our cities on the Mississippi, indoor go-cart racing, pig roast, bowling and most recently for the second time, actual stock car racing. We have always tried to mix it up and provide experiences that most of us either have never done or would not be likely to ever do. The stock car racing remains the best of them all.

The first time we went, as management, we were quite surprised that we were even being allowed to do this. We literally were put in groups of 5, told to follow pace car and when it pulled off track – race! Of course, the number one question was, “what if we crash?” The answer? – “Don’t try to.” Perfect. As it turned out no one did and, as a result of a great save by the fellow, Andy Anderson, who was the eventual winner, no one did this time either.

What a blast driving a 1985 or so stock car, stripped down completely and fitted with a 350 Chevy engine and automatic transmission. We wore a helmet and proceeded to give it our best over the 1/4 mile oval. The fastest drivers, generally the younger ones, could hit close to 55 mph in the very short straight-aways. It was the corners that slowed down some of us old guys.

My purpose in talking about this at all is that having a unique event for employees or customers, enhances the way they will think about you. And, as employers or vendors, we are uniquely able to provide an experience not generally available to people, and/or would they even think about doing it.